Plains Producer

Page 1

Plains Producer

Roads cost burden $1.50

Wednesday, May 1 2013

STAR OF THE NORTH

Continuing maintenance program means we are all likely to pay more

AS the end of the financial year fast nears, Wakefield Regional Council faces a big Budget dilemma; raise rates or let local roads fall into a greater state of disrepair. Speaking after last week’s council meeting, WRC chief executive officer, Cate Atkinson, said council had discussed the issue at several informal sessions of late. “Council is on track to deliver its annual works program, so it is important the community understands that,” Mrs Atkinson said. “We have 2000 kilometres of road

Les Pearson reports: network we are seeking to maintain and improve, which takes a significant part of the Budget. “We also have strong demand for other council services as well.” A recent report on council’s road condition revealed additional resources would be needed to address an accelerated road maintenance program to improve the condition of the district’s roads if we are to meet community expectations. “Council received information

from an independent engineering consultant in relation to the quality of the district’s roads,” Mrs Atkinson explained. “We can we keep delivering the same level of service we have been but the roads will further deteriorate as a result.” The increase in rate revenue will

need to be considered ahead of setting WRC’s Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP). “There will be a report presented to council next month outlining the issues regarding the LTFP and any changes to the Budget will go to community consultation,” Mrs Atkinson said. A rate rise of up to 10 per cent has been mentioned from several sources but Mrs Atkinson could neither confirm nor deny how much rates are proposed to rise, nor if they will rise at all.

“There has been no decision yet in terms of council’s rating policy and we have been taking feedback from elected members in relation to that,” Mrs Atkinson said. “We have received feedback from elected members and some would like to see an increase in services levels relating to road maintenance, which would require more resources and need the support of council to go ahead. However, I’m not in the position to forecast a rate rise.” n MALLALA CHANGES – PAGE 8

Jumping for joy on first day at school

n FIRST day at school. Did they shed a few tears? Not likely! It was a day to jump for joy with excitement for Balaklava primary’s new reception students as schools started term two this week. From left are Nakita Hedaux, Rihanna Zanker, Angus Lemon and Ezra-Mae Peralta. At Horizon Christian School, Zamirah Battye took centre stage on her first day as a “newbie.” n PICTURES: Lisa Redpath.

reports and pictures – PAges 2, 11,12, 13 & 15

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Meet Tom Zorich

Tom will be at these locations this month. Come along for some important information or just a friendly chat. • CLARE: Thursday May 2, Woolworths Old North Road • BALAKLAVA: Thursday May 9, Rotunda, Edith Tce • KAPUNDA: Thursday May 16, IGA, Main St • ANGLE VALE: Saturday May 18, Drakes Foodland 121 Heaslip Rd • MALLALA: Friday May 24, IGA, 3 Wasleys Rd • GAWLER: Saturday May 25, Woolworths All sessions will be from 11am to 1pm A: PO BOX 198, Elizabeth SA 5112 - P: 0418 967 424 E: tom.zorich@saliberal.org.au or wakefieldfec@hotmail.com


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